Using an iPhone as a PDA

Using an iPhone as a PDA

A friend of mine was given an old iPhone, model A1203, that was no longer associated with an account. I think the original owner had upgraded to a newer model. My friend would like to use it as a PDA (i.e. wifi only, no phone or data plan). When I turned it on, the only thing I could see to do with it was to call 911. Is there any way to use all the non-phone functions without a phone account?